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Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:102-106 doi:10.1136/bjo.2004.057687
  • Laboratory science - Extended reports

Neural progenitor cells from postmortem adult human retina

  1. E J Mayer1*,
  2. D A Carter1*,
  3. Y Ren1,
  4. E H Hughes1,
  5. C M Rice2,
  6. C A Halfpenny2,
  7. N J Scolding2 and
  8. A D Dick1
  1. 1Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LX, UK
  2. 2Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Department of Neurology, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Andrew D Dick Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LX, UK; a.dickbristol.ac.uk
  • Accepted 10 September 2004

Abstract

Background: Given the presence of neural progenitor cells (NPC) in the retina of other species capable of differentiating into multiple neural components, the authors report the presence of NPC in the adult human retina. A resident population of NPC suggests that the retina may constitutively replace neurons, photoreceptors, and glia.

Methods: Adult human postmortem retinal explants and cell suspensions were used to generate cells in tissue culture that display the features of NPC. The phenotype of cells and differentiation into neurons was determined by immunocytochemistry. Dividing cells were labelled with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and neurospheres were generated and passaged.

Results: Cells labelled with nestin, neurofilament M (NFM), rhodopsin, or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) grew out from explant cultures. BrdU labelling of these cells occurred only with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Dissociated retina and pars plana generated primary neurospheres. From primary neurospheres, NPC were passaged to generate secondary neurospheres, neurons, photoreceptors, and glia. BrdU labelling identified dividing cells from neurospheres that differentiated to express NFM and rhodopsin.

Conclusion: The adult human retina contains NPC and may have the potential to replace neurons and photoreceptors. This has implications for the pathogenesis and treatment of retinal disorders and degenerations, including glaucoma, and those disorders associated with retinal scarring.

Notes

  • ↵* These authors contributed equally to this work.

  • Competing interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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